In making the commitment to live a greener life, to have less of an impact on the decay of the planet, how can we change our shopping habits? Is there a way to shop that leaves less of a carbon footprint? Absolutely. Read on.
The next time you need to do some shopping, for a holiday, birthday or special occasion, consider buying from a website that is working to help others. Instead of buying blindly from a high-end department store, consider a smaller gift shop that helps others or the environment through contributions or through facilitating green commerce.
Consider this a shortlist of some green ways to shop. The eco-friendly sites below are great places to shop for gifts for your friends and family, and to give a little something back along the way.
Global Girlfriend
Global Girlfriend offers a funky mix of hip and hippie chick clothing made from organic cotton by women around the globe. GG has cotton aprons made in Ghana, organic cotton tops made by women in Nepal and Kathmandu, and adorable organic cotton dresses made young women in the Tamil Nadu region of India. Part of the Global Girlfrien philosophy read, “Created to help women worldwide gain ecopnomic security for themselves and their families by earning fair wages for the their handiwork. Global Girlfriend sources women-made, fair-trade imported, eco-friendly products.”
Made By Survivors
Made By Survivors has a wonderful selection of jewelry, handbags, wallets and other products, all made by survivors of slavery. Made By is an offshoot of the Emancipation Network Mission and all of their products are made using Fair Trade standards.
World of Good
Ebay recently introduced World of Good, a place for fair trade products that are also sweatshop free. Through World of Good, you can shop for gifts, jewelry, bags and other products under labels such as: People Positive, Eco Positive, Animal Friendly and Supports a Cause.
Nimli
Begun in 2003, Nimli is a cool place to shop for “an array of ecologically friendly products that are natural, organic, recycled, sweat-shop free, and cruelty-free.” All of the Nimli products for sale are funky, fresh and young. From yoga wear to jewelry to hand bags and shoes, Nimli has beautiful products at reasonable prices.
Shop Goodwill
Some major metropolis Goodwill stores recently started putting donated items on an auction site at goodwill.com. Shop online for some great deals on gently used jewelry, art, shoes, and collectibles.
Mary Rayme - Mary Rayme is a graphic designer and arts educator with a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore.
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